Communication and Information Sharing

Communicating with healthcare providers about non-prescription medications

You may take non-prescription medications Medications that you can get without a prescription. May include over-the-counter medications and natural health products. (over-the-counter A medication that can be bought without a prescription (doctor’s orders). For example, acetaminophen. medications and natural health products Naturally occurring substances that can be used in products to maintain or restore health. Common natural health products include vitamins, minerals, and substances that come from a natural source (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids). ) instead of, or in addition to, prescription medications A medication that is only available with written instructions from a healthcare provider (e.g., doctor, dentist, pharmacist). . Some common non-prescription medications Medications that you can get without a prescription. May include over-the-counter medications and natural health products. taken by people with SCI/D Spinal cord injury or dysfunction. include: vitamins, anti-inflammatories, laxatives A class of medications taken to loosen stool to produce a bowel movement and relieve constipation. , and analgesics. It is important to discuss non-prescription medications Medications that you can get without a prescription. May include over-the-counter medications and natural health products. with your healthcare providers.

We have included some strategies and key questions to help start the conversation and facilitate it on an ongoing basis.

Strategies

  • Communicate your thoughts, values, and preferences about both prescription and non-prescription medications Medications that you can get without a prescription. May include over-the-counter medications and natural health products.
  • Think about and record questions or topics you would like to discuss ahead of time
  • Ask questions and take time to understand your healthcare providers’ recommendations
  • Give your healthcare provider a list of any non-prescription medications Medications that you can get without a prescription. May include over-the-counter medications and natural health products. you are taking or are interested in taking

Key questions to ask your healthcare providers

  • What are natural health products Naturally occurring substances that can be used in products to maintain or restore health. Common natural health products include vitamins, minerals, and substances that come from a natural source (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids). ?
  • What are over-the-counter A medication that can be bought without a prescription (doctor’s orders). For example, acetaminophen. medications?
  • What does [name of product/medication] do for my body? What is the intended effect?
  • I am taking [name of product/medication] to [reason for taking]. Can I get your thoughts on this?
  • How do I know if non-prescription medications Medications that you can get without a prescription. May include over-the-counter medications and natural health products. are safe?
  • How do I know if non-prescription medications Medications that you can get without a prescription. May include over-the-counter medications and natural health products. are working?
  • Will there be any interactions with my other medications?
  • Where can I find current and reliable information about non-prescription medications Medications that you can get without a prescription. May include over-the-counter medications and natural health products. ?
  • What are the possible risks, if any?
  • What can I do to minimize any potential risks?
  • Are there any non-prescription medications Medications that you can get without a prescription. May include over-the-counter medications and natural health products. that may be helpful for me given my [health history, other conditions, etc.]?
  • Do you have other patients with a similar experience who are taking non-prescription medications Medications that you can get without a prescription. May include over-the-counter medications and natural health products. that work for them?
  • What is the cost of non-prescription medications Medications that you can get without a prescription. May include over-the-counter medications and natural health products. ?
  • If I am having negative side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. , what should I do?

Resource

A downloadable version of all the questions is available. This resource can be downloaded and completed on your computer or mobile device, or it can be printed.

References

Alberta Health Services. (2012, December). Natural health products Naturally occurring substances that can be used in products to maintain or restore health. Common natural health products include vitamins, minerals, and substances that come from a natural source (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids). – nutrition guideline. https://albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/nutrition/if-nfs-ng-natural-health-products.pdf